India’s airlines are circling dozens of Boeing jets rejected by Chinese carriers, in what aviation analysts describe as a rare convergence of geopolitics and market timing that could give Indian aviation a decisive edge amid global supply constraints and surging passenger demand.
The potential deal – led by Air India, which aims to acquire up to 10 of the 737 Max jets – could offer a windfall for Indian carriers facing capacity shortfalls and delivery delays from both Boeing and rival manufacturer Airbus.
An industry executive familiar with the ongoing negotiations told This Week in Asia that talks between Indian operators and Boeing were at a “serious stage, if not the final phase” of reaching an agreement.
Air India declined to comment, but Boeing told This Week in Asia that the national carrier was potentially one of several options under consideration for the diverted aircraft.
“The deal appears quite bright at this stage, and it’ll be a bounty for Indian aviation as it will add more planes with literally no waiting time. However, specifics need to be ironed out,” said the industry expert, who was not authorised to speak to the media.
Senior government officials in New Delhi are believed to be aware of the negotiations.
